I have never subscribed to the "Hollywood" takeover of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame so the recent events do not surprise me.

Deep Purple deserved to be in the organization many years ago while others, who in my opinion, do not deserve it, have already been inducted. Deep Purple stands above all organized and established constructs and standards. Music is the healer and universal language that transcends any polls or elected officials who determine the status of creativity.

So… truth be told the R&R Hall of Fame has never been an honest and precise indicator of greatness in music. I believe that has been left up to the fans in whose hearts and minds great music lives on and survives eternally, despite the corporate acknowledgement and untimely acceptance.

So I would like to thank the incredibly talented members who contributed to the legacy of Deep Purple throughout all the incarnations of the band and wish them the best of luck with the honors bestowed upon them ...and all of us ...past and present.

I am proud to have been a member of Deep Purple and will always cherish the music and memories we made together. Rock on boys! Cheers! ... JLT